Kidspace set to reopen Rathfarnham Playcentre , following forced closure earlier this year due to insurance hikes

Owners Tracy Smullen and Claire Doyle have today announced that they are set to reopen Kidspace Indoor Playcentre in Rathfarnham on 2 October 2019, after it was forced to close in March due to a massive hike in their insurance premium.

The owners, who are cousins and childcare professionals, have expressed their delight with finally being able to reopen. “We are thrilled that we have managed to secure a quote that has made our business viable again. It broke our hearts to have to close the doors on Kidspace Rathfarnham earlier this year,” Ms Smullen said. “Kidspace offers a valuable service to the community in Rathfarnham and we even had customers offering to crowd-fund the business when we were forced to close earlier this year.”

The duo, who also own and operate Kidspace Rathcoole, managed to get a more competitive quote when a new underwriter entered the Irish market this year. This is as a result of the great work done by Play Activity and Leisure Ireland (PALI), which Kidpsace are active members of. Together they have managed to secure a group scheme deal, which is allowing Kidpsace Rathfarnham to reopen their doors next month.

“The fact that we have gained a more competitive quote, has meant that we can create jobs again and also provide a safe environment for kids to play in the locality. We hope that this is the first in a number of positive steps for the insurance industry as a whole in Ireland.

“When insurance premiums rise so rapidly, it creates a massive problem. Insurance should be a business service, not an obstacle. We are delighted that we are now in a position to reopen what we know is a popular and much-needed service,” Ms Doyle concluded.